Signoria (Hist.)

The heads of the executive government of Florence, i.e. the Gonfaloniere and the eight Priori. The number of members of the Signoria had varied at different periods, but at the time of Romola (1492-98) it consisted of nine elected officers, the Gonfaloniere, who held office for two months, and eight Priori, also chosen for two months. During the period of office the members of the Signoria lived at the public expense in the Palazzo Vecchio.

<em>Romola</em>

Text